Signs & Symptoms of Gout in Elbow

Gout, a form of arthritis, appears suddenly and affects your elbow and other joints. This condition causes sodium urate crystals to accumulate in your joints. Gout typically affects men over 40 and post-menopausal women, according to the Gout & Uric Acid Education Society. Treatment consists of a combination of medication and lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise. Gout in the elbow has clearly recognizable symptoms and signs.

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Experiencing Pain

One symptom of gout in your elbow is rapid, intense and severe pain. This pain can occur at night or in the early morning without warning. The pain you experience may feel as if your elbow were crushed or dislocated, according to Health Central, and may cause you to wake up. Physical activity, like lifting boxes, playing sports or even typing, may become too painful to do. The pain takes eight to 12 hours to develop. It can be the most severe within the first 12 to 24 hours, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Feeling Discomfort

Once the sudden pain in your elbow subsides, you can experience another sign of gout: discomfort. This discomfort can appear in a variety of ways. For instance, your elbow may feel tender whenever you move it. Also, such things as bedsheets, sleeves or a touch can be unbearable. This discomfort may linger for a few days to a few weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Elbow’s Appearance and Other Symptoms

Another sign of gout is how your elbow looks during the attack. Gout will cause your elbow to become inflamed or swollen. This inflammation can start at your elbow and move to other areas of your body, such as your forearm or fingers. In addition, you may notice that the skin on your elbow appears shiny, constricted and red. After a few days, the skin on and around your elbow may start peeling.